Great Plains News Digest
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IOWA
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US–Election 2026-Iowa-Governor
Republican US Rep. Randy Feenstra officially jumps into 2026 race for Iowa governor
SUMMARY: Randy Feenstra, the Republican U.S. congressman representing Iowa’s 4th District, is running for governor. The congressman will forgo a reelection bid to the safe Republican House seat he holds to run for the top of the ticket in Iowa. His official launch event comes after monthslong exploratory campaign spent amassing support after Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds made a surprise in April that she would not seek a third term. Republicans control the U.S. House by a razor-thin margin, but Feenstra represents Iowa’s most reliably Republican district, so losing an incumbent in the 2026 race for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District is unlikely to hurt Republicans’ efforts to retain control of the U.S. House.
WORDS: 735 – MOVED: 10/28/2025 9:27 a.m. CDT
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KANSAS
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US–Election 2026-Redistricting
Indiana governor calls a special session to redraw US House maps as redistricting battle spreads
SUMMARY: Indiana Republican Gov. Mike Braun has called a special session and directed state lawmakers to redraw the state’s congressional districts. The move announced Monday follows weeks of pressure from the White House to back President Donald Trump’s bid to help Republicans maintain control of the U.S. House. Braun scheduled the session to start Nov. 3. Virginia’s Democratic-led General Assembly also is meeting in a special session as a first step toward congressional redistricting. Pressure for redistricting is also mounting in both Republican-led Kansas and Democratic-led Illinois. Redistricting already has been taken up by legislatures in Republican-led Texas, Missouri and North Carolina, as well as Democratic-led California.
WORDS: 995 – MOVED: 10/27/2025 8:14 a.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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UnitedHealth-Results
UnitedHealth tops 3Q forecasts as it resets coverage prices to deal with rising costs
SUMMARY: UnitedHealth has returned to better-than-expected growth after starting the year swamped by medical costs and withdrawing its forecast for 2025. Leaders of the health care giant say care use is now climbing at rates they expected, and the company envisions annual growth next year that accelerates in 2027. In the meantime, UnitedHealth is resetting health insurance prices and trimming unprofitable parts of that business. That includes a drop in individual health insurance enrollment and losing about 1 million customers from its Medicare Advantage business. That involves privately run versions of the government’s coverage program mainly for people age 65 and over.
WORDS: 470 – MOVED: 10/28/2025 9:49 a.m. CDT
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US–Trump-Administration-Sex-Ed-Funding
Federal judge blocks the Trump administration from pulling funding for sex ed on gender diversity
SUMMARY: A federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump’s administration from pulling sexual education funding over curricula mentioning diverse gender identities. U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken in Oregon issued the preliminary injunction on Monday. The order came in a lawsuit filed by 16 states and the District of Columbia against the Health and Human Services Department. The department wants to prohibit the inclusion of what it describes as “gender ideology” in lessons funded by two federal grant programs used to teach about abstinence and contraception. The lawsuit alleges that the new grant conditions violate the separation of powers and federal law. The health department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
WORDS: 819 – MOVED: 10/28/2025 12:52 p.m. CDT
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NEBRASKA
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MS–Teacher Licensure Requirements
Licensure requirements changed for prospective teachers in special education and elementary school
SUMMARY: The Mississippi Department of Education has announced new pathways to become certified elementary educators and special educators. The change became effective Monday. Education students can start teaching elementary school classes on a provisional license while taking a new free course to satisfy the Foundation of Reading test requirements. Students must post an 80% upon course completion. The AIM Institute in Omaha, Nebraska, designed the new academic year-long course, which consists of 14 asynchronous learning sections, two in-person training sessions and testing. The changes were implemented partly in response to the results of a 2024-2025 educator survey.
WORDS: 740 – MOVED: 10/28/2025 11:40 a.m. CDT
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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FBC–Big Ten-Receiving Depth
Playing catch-up: Ohio State’s wealth of talent at WR has its Big Ten rivals trying to follow suit
SUMMARY: Ohio State again has two of the nation’s top wide receivers this season in Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. It’s not unusual for the Buckeyes to have multiple future NFL receivers on their roster. Five Ohio State receivers have been selected in the first round of the last four drafts: Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. What’s notable this year is how the depth of receiving talent in the Big Ten isn’t limited to the Buckeyes. Seven of the top 19 Bowl Subdivision players in yards receiving per game are from the Big Ten.
WORDS: 1072 – MOVED: 10/28/2025 9:30 a.m. CDT
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KANSAS
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FBN–Bills Analysis
Cook’s career day overshadows deficiencies in Bills’ passing attack. DT Oliver out with torn bicep
SUMMARY: James Cook’s career day aside, all is not well with the Buffalo Bills’ offense. Josh Allen is struggling to connect with his receivers, especially on downfield throws. The Bills will hope to address that issue before they host Kansas City this weekend. Allen looked lost in the first half of Sunday’s 40-9 blowout of Carolina, and he finished with a modest 163 yards passing with a touchdown. On the bright side, he didn’t turn the ball over after his giveaways contributed to two straight losses. On defense, the Bills have lost tackle Ed Oliver to a torn left biceps that requires surgery.
WORDS: 814 – MOVED: 10/27/2025 4:18 p.m. CDT
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FBC–T25-Texas Tech-Hammond
Texas Tech backup QB Will Hammond is out for the season with a torn ACL
SUMMARY: Texas Tech backup quarterback Will Hammond is out for the season after tearing the ACL in his right knee in the No. 13 Red Raiders’ 42-0 victory over Oklahoma State. The injury came in Hammond’s second start filling in for Behren Morton, who is expected to return when Texas Tech visits Kansas State on Saturday. Coach Joey McGuire says he’s optimistic Hammond will return next season. Morton is a senior, so the Red Raiders will have a new starter in 2026.
WORDS: 284 – MOVED: 10/27/2025 5:03 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Commanders-Chiefs Inactives
Commanders sign kicker Matthew Wright to face his old team, the Kansas City Chiefs, on Monday night
SUMMARY: The Washington Commanders have signed Matthew Wright to kick against his former team, the Kansas City Chiefs, after ruling out Matt Gay out with a back injury. The Commanders also elevated defensive tackle Sheldon Day and released wide receiver Robbie Chosen from the practice squad. That move comes as defensive tackle Daron Payne deals with a toe injury. Wright previously filled in for Kansas City during the 2022 season, going 10 for 10 on PATs and 10 for 13 on field goals. The Chiefs have ruled out left tackle Josh Simmons due to a family situation, with Jaylon Moore set to start.
WORDS: 427 – MOVED: 10/27/2025 4:05 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Chiefs-Hunt
Chiefs continue to weigh massive Arrowhead renovation or new domed stadium in Kansas or Missouri
SUMMARY: The Chiefs are continuing to explore stadium options, including renovating Arrowhead Stadium or building a new domed stadium. Owner Clark Hunt discussed the plans with reporters before Monday’s game against the Washington Commanders. The Chiefs and Royals have played at the Truman Sports Complex for over 50 years, but their leases expire in January 2031. Last year, voters rejected a sales tax extension to fund renovations and a new ballpark district. The Chiefs are considering moving to Kansas, while Missouri lawmakers have offered funding for renovating Arrowhead Stadium.
WORDS: 587 – MOVED: 10/27/2025 6:11 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Commanders-Chiefs
Mahomes, Hunt lead Chiefs to dominant 28-7 win over Commanders, their 9th straight in the series
SUMMARY: Patrick Mahomes threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns, and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Washington Commanders 28-7. The game was tied at halftime, but Mahomes was nearly perfect after the break. Kareem Hunt found the end zone twice for Kansas City. One of Mahomes’ TD passes was to Travis Kelce, giving him 83 scores to tie Priest Holmes for the Chiefs career record. The Chiefs have won four of five to move to 5-3. The Commanders fell to 1-4 on the road and 3-5 overall.
WORDS: 977 – MOVED: 10/27/2025 10:14 p.m. CDT
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BBO—World Series-Must-See Ohtani
Game recognize game: Other US sports stars are in awe of Shohei Ohtani
SUMMARY: Even among fellow sports superstars, Shohei Ohtani has reached legendary status. The Los Angeles Dodgers two-way phenomenon has shown off his baseball magnificence during this year’s MLB postseason, particularly on Oct. 17, when he had arguably the greatest performance in the game’s history, hitting three home runs at the plate while striking out 10 on the mound in an NL Championship Series-clinching win over the Milwaukee Brewers. NFL quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Dak Prescott, NBA star Kevin Durant, Colorado football coach Deion Sanders and former Stanford women’s basketball coach Tara VanDerveer are among those in awe of the Japenese star’s greatness.
WORDS: 906 – MOVED: 10/28/2025 2:23 a.m. CDT
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FBN–Chiefs Analysis
Chiefs dominate Washington 28-7, proving they might be better than last season despite their record
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs have more losses through eight games than last season, but they might be a better team. Their 5-3 start includes five wins by at least two scores, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes says it’s been more fun than last season, when Kansas City white-knuckled its way to a 15-2 mark. The Chiefs have rallied after early losses and injuries, winning five of their last six games. Coach Andy Reid praised their teamwork and positivity. The defense has been strong, allowing just 14 points over the last 10 quarters. The Chiefs face high-profile games ahead, including a rematch with the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
WORDS: 793 – MOVED: 10/28/2025 11:09 a.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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FBN–Adrian Peterson-Arrest
Former NFL star Adrian Peterson arrested in Houston suburb on DWI and gun charges
SUMMARY: Authorities say that former NFL running back Adrian Peterson remains jailed after being arrested in a Houston suburb on charges of driving while intoxicated and unlawfully carrying a weapon. Sugar Land Police Department spokeswoman Alicia Alaniz says Peterson was taken into custody Sunday morning. He remained in the Fort Bend County Jail on Monday. It’s the second DWI arrest in seven months for the 2012 NFL MVP and three-time league rushing champion. The 40-year-old Peterson was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving in Minneapolis in April. The Texas native spent the first 10 years of his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings.
WORDS: 270 – MOVED: 10/26/2025 10:55 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Vikings-Wentz
Vikings’ Carson Wentz to IR with shoulder injury that requires season-ending surgery, AP source says
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Vikings have placed quarterback Carson Wentz on injured reserve. Wentz will have season-ending surgery on his left, non-throwing shoulder, according to a person with knowledge of the plans. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Vikings had not yet announced those details. Wentz played through the injury for 2 1/2 games. He made five starts in place of J.J. McCarthy, who’s recovering from a high ankle sprain. McCarthy was already on track to return this week.
WORDS: 353 – MOVED: 10/27/2025 4:50 p.m. CDT
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BKN–Timberwolves-Edwards Out
Timberwolves will be without Anthony Edwards for at least a week due to a hamstring strain
SUMMARY: Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards will miss at least a week due to a strained right hamstring. He was sidelined in the opening minutes of Sunday’s game against Indiana. An MRI on Monday confirmed the strain. Edwards will be reevaluated in a week. That suggests a mild strain. The three-time All-Star will miss at least three games including the start of a road trip at Charlotte on Saturday. The Timberwolves announced backup point guard Rob Dillingham is available to play against Denver after missing the Indiana game with a broken nose.
WORDS: 327 – MOVED: 10/27/2025 2:38 p.m. CDT
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BKN–Nuggets-Timberwolves
Murray scores 43 points, Jokic has triple-double as Nuggets beat Timberwolves 127-114
SUMMARY: Jamal Murray scored 23 of his 43 points in the third quarter and Nikola Jokic had a triple-double as the Denver Nuggets beat the short-handed Minnesota Timberwolves 127-114. The Timberwolves played without star guard Anthony Edwards, who will miss at least a week with a strained right hamstring. Jokic finished with 25 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists for his third triple-double in three games this season. Jaden McDaniels led Minnesota with 25 points, while Julius Randle scored 24 and Naz Reid had 18.
WORDS: 316 – MOVED: 10/27/2025 11:24 p.m. CDT
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FBC–Big Ten-Receiving Depth
Playing catch-up: Ohio State’s wealth of talent at WR has its Big Ten rivals trying to follow suit
SUMMARY: Ohio State again has two of the nation’s top wide receivers this season in Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. It’s not unusual for the Buckeyes to have multiple future NFL receivers on their roster. Five Ohio State receivers have been selected in the first round of the last four drafts: Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. What’s notable this year is how the depth of receiving talent in the Big Ten isn’t limited to the Buckeyes. Seven of the top 19 Bowl Subdivision players in yards receiving per game are from the Big Ten.
WORDS: 1072 – MOVED: 10/28/2025 9:30 a.m. CDT
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FBN–Adrian Peterson-Arrest
Affidavit: Former NFL star Adrian Peterson was asleep in SUV before DWI arrest in Texas
SUMMARY: Court records say former NFL running back Adrian Peterson was asleep behind the wheel of his SUV at a suburban Houston gas station before he was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated and unlawfully carrying a weapon. According to a probable cause affidavit, a Sugar Land police officer found Peterson around 9 a.m. Sunday asleep as his vehicle was running and parked near a gas pump. According to the affidavit, Peterson told the officer he didn’t know where he was and later failed a field sobriety test. Peterson was released from custody on Monday after posting bond. The 40-year-old Peterson was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving in Minneapolis in April.
WORDS: 444 – MOVED: 10/28/2025 12:08 p.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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FBN–Bills Analysis
Cook’s career day overshadows deficiencies in Bills’ passing attack. DT Oliver out with torn bicep
SUMMARY: James Cook’s career day aside, all is not well with the Buffalo Bills’ offense. Josh Allen is struggling to connect with his receivers, especially on downfield throws. The Bills will hope to address that issue before they host Kansas City this weekend. Allen looked lost in the first half of Sunday’s 40-9 blowout of Carolina, and he finished with a modest 163 yards passing with a touchdown. On the bright side, he didn’t turn the ball over after his giveaways contributed to two straight losses. On defense, the Bills have lost tackle Ed Oliver to a torn left biceps that requires surgery.
WORDS: 814 – MOVED: 10/27/2025 4:18 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Commanders-Chiefs Inactives
Commanders sign kicker Matthew Wright to face his old team, the Kansas City Chiefs, on Monday night
SUMMARY: The Washington Commanders have signed Matthew Wright to kick against his former team, the Kansas City Chiefs, after ruling out Matt Gay out with a back injury. The Commanders also elevated defensive tackle Sheldon Day and released wide receiver Robbie Chosen from the practice squad. That move comes as defensive tackle Daron Payne deals with a toe injury. Wright previously filled in for Kansas City during the 2022 season, going 10 for 10 on PATs and 10 for 13 on field goals. The Chiefs have ruled out left tackle Josh Simmons due to a family situation, with Jaylon Moore set to start.
WORDS: 427 – MOVED: 10/27/2025 4:05 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Chiefs-Hunt
Chiefs continue to weigh massive Arrowhead renovation or new domed stadium in Kansas or Missouri
SUMMARY: The Chiefs are continuing to explore stadium options, including renovating Arrowhead Stadium or building a new domed stadium. Owner Clark Hunt discussed the plans with reporters before Monday’s game against the Washington Commanders. The Chiefs and Royals have played at the Truman Sports Complex for over 50 years, but their leases expire in January 2031. Last year, voters rejected a sales tax extension to fund renovations and a new ballpark district. The Chiefs are considering moving to Kansas, while Missouri lawmakers have offered funding for renovating Arrowhead Stadium.
WORDS: 587 – MOVED: 10/27/2025 6:11 p.m. CDT
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HKN-Blues-Penguins
Crosby has goal, 2 assists to reach 1,700 points as Penguins beat Blues 6-3
SUMMARY: Sidney Crosby had a goal and two assists to become the ninth player in NHL history with 1,700 points and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the St. Louis Blues 6-3. Crosby had his 498th multi-point game, passing Mario Lemieux for the team record and sixth in NHL history on the all-time multi-point list. Evgeni Malkin had a goal and an assist to extend his point streak to seven games, while Bryan Rust had two goals and an assist. Parker Wotherspoon and Anthony Mantha also scored for Pittsburgh. Tristan Jarry made 22 saves to help the Penguins get their fifth win in six games. Jordan Kyrou, Nick Bjugstad and Mathieu Joseph scored for St. Louis. Joel Hofer stopped 20 shots.
WORDS: 343 – MOVED: 10/27/2025 8:46 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Commanders-Chiefs
Mahomes, Hunt lead Chiefs to dominant 28-7 win over Commanders, their 9th straight in the series
SUMMARY: Patrick Mahomes threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns, and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Washington Commanders 28-7. The game was tied at halftime, but Mahomes was nearly perfect after the break. Kareem Hunt found the end zone twice for Kansas City. One of Mahomes’ TD passes was to Travis Kelce, giving him 83 scores to tie Priest Holmes for the Chiefs career record. The Chiefs have won four of five to move to 5-3. The Commanders fell to 1-4 on the road and 3-5 overall.
WORDS: 977 – MOVED: 10/27/2025 10:14 p.m. CDT
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BBO—World Series-Must-See Ohtani
Game recognize game: Other US sports stars are in awe of Shohei Ohtani
SUMMARY: Even among fellow sports superstars, Shohei Ohtani has reached legendary status. The Los Angeles Dodgers two-way phenomenon has shown off his baseball magnificence during this year’s MLB postseason, particularly on Oct. 17, when he had arguably the greatest performance in the game’s history, hitting three home runs at the plate while striking out 10 on the mound in an NL Championship Series-clinching win over the Milwaukee Brewers. NFL quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Dak Prescott, NBA star Kevin Durant, Colorado football coach Deion Sanders and former Stanford women’s basketball coach Tara VanDerveer are among those in awe of the Japenese star’s greatness.
WORDS: 906 – MOVED: 10/28/2025 2:23 a.m. CDT
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FBN–Chiefs Analysis
Chiefs dominate Washington 28-7, proving they might be better than last season despite their record
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs have more losses through eight games than last season, but they might be a better team. Their 5-3 start includes five wins by at least two scores, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes says it’s been more fun than last season, when Kansas City white-knuckled its way to a 15-2 mark. The Chiefs have rallied after early losses and injuries, winning five of their last six games. Coach Andy Reid praised their teamwork and positivity. The defense has been strong, allowing just 14 points over the last 10 quarters. The Chiefs face high-profile games ahead, including a rematch with the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
WORDS: 793 – MOVED: 10/28/2025 11:09 a.m. CDT
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NEBRASKA
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FBC–Big Ten-Receiving Depth
Playing catch-up: Ohio State’s wealth of talent at WR has its Big Ten rivals trying to follow suit
SUMMARY: Ohio State again has two of the nation’s top wide receivers this season in Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. It’s not unusual for the Buckeyes to have multiple future NFL receivers on their roster. Five Ohio State receivers have been selected in the first round of the last four drafts: Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. What’s notable this year is how the depth of receiving talent in the Big Ten isn’t limited to the Buckeyes. Seven of the top 19 Bowl Subdivision players in yards receiving per game are from the Big Ten.
WORDS: 1072 – MOVED: 10/28/2025 9:30 a.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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BKN–Thunder-Mavericks
Thunder withstand furious Mavericks rally to win 101-94, improving to 4-0
SUMMARY: Isaiah Hartenstein had 16 points and 12 points — and scored Oklahoma City’s only two field goals of the final 8:28 — as the Thunder withstood a furious Dallas rally to beat the Mavericks 101-94 on Monday night to improve to 4-0. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 23 points to lead the defending NBA champions. Chet Holmgren had 18 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks. Anthony Davis had 26 points and 11 rebounds for the Mavericks, playing their fourth straight home game to open the season.
WORDS: 330 – MOVED: 10/27/2025 10:23 p.m. CDT
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BKC–Sons In Waiting
Sons-in-waiting: Pearls, Sampsons part of trend of college coaches passing programs onto their sons
SUMMARY: Coach Kelvin Sampson has agreed to a contract extension with Houston, potentially keeping him with the team through the 2028-29 season. The plan is for his son, Kellen Sampson, to eventually take over as head coach. This arrangement is part of a growing trend in college sports where coaches groom their sons for succession. Critics argue this raises concerns about nepotism. However, supporters say it ensures continuity and stability. The latest program to change hands was Auburn, where Bruce Pearl announced his retirement just last month, and his son, Steven, took over a team coming off a Final Four.
WORDS: 1035 – MOVED: 10/28/2025 8:41 a.m. CDT
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BKN–Around The NBA
NBA players set record with 16 40-point games in first week of season
SUMMARY: The NBA season has kicked off with a scoring frenzy. Players have already scored 40 or more points in 16 games, an unprecedented start. Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic of the Lakers, and Tyrese Maxey of the 76ers, have each hit this mark twice. Other players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry have also joined the high-scoring club. Despite these performances, the spotlight is on a gambling scandal involving Portland coach Chauncey Billups and Miami guard Terry Rozier. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has apologized for the distraction. Meanwhile, scoring averages have jumped, with teams playing faster and getting to the foul line more often.
WORDS: 949 – MOVED: 10/28/2025 8:58 a.m. CDT
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BKN–Mavericks-Flagg
Cooper Flagg’s first NBA back-to-back: missed shots and banged-up shoulder
SUMMARY: Cooper Flagg’s first experience with an NBA back-to-back was a painful one. The No. 1 draft pick by the Dallas Mavericks barely got through the opening seconds of the second game Monday night before hurting his left shoulder. Flagg held the shoulder multiple times during the first half, used a heat wrap on it while on the bench during the second half and struggled through a 1-for-9 shooting night for two points, missing all three of his 3-pointers. Flagg played 31 minutes but was watching from the bench during most of the Mavericks’ late rally in a 101-94 loss to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
WORDS: 442 – MOVED: 10/28/2025 12:18 a.m. CDT
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